“We Were Poor With…”: Hardik Pandya’s candid assessment after the defeat in the first match T20I vs New Zealand

After New Zealand won its first T20I in 21 runs on Friday, captain India Hardik Pandya said that the pitch at JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi “surprised us”. Kiwi took a 1-0 lead in a three-game series as India’s players collapsed under the lights in Ranchi. Chasing 177 goals, India is limited to 155 with nine out of 20 rounds, though Washington capitalfifties maiden format. However, Hardik said that his team conceded a few more runs, which made it difficult for hitters.

“No one even thought that the racket would play like that and both teams were surprised. But they played better cricket in this match and that’s why the result was like that. Actually the ball just turned. more than the old ball and the way it rotated, the way it bounced, it took us by surprise. But somehow we pulled it back and continued the game until Surya and I were hitting the ball. . Looking back, I don’t think this racquet was 177, we had poor grip and we ended up running 25 times more than face value…”, said Hardik at the post-match introduction ceremony.

Hardik praised Sundar, who scored 50 out of 28, for keeping India on the hunt, adding that his youth team will get better and better.

“It’s a young group and we’re only going to learn from this. The way he’s bowling, batting and pitching; it was Washington vs New Zealand today. We needed someone who could hit the ball. and pitching, gives us a lot of confidence and that will help us go forward,” he added.

With the win, New Zealand has taken a 1-0 lead in this series and will face India in the second T20I in Lucknow on Sunday.

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